Background: Sexual side effects are a common and
bothersome reaction to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs), frequently leading to cessation of treatment.
Mirtazapine, an alpha2-adrenoceptor and serotonin-2/3
receptor antagonist, appears to cause few sexual problems.

Method: Nineteen patients (12 women and 7 men),
with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction who were in remission from
major depressive disorder (total Hamilton Rating Scale for
Depression [HAM-D] score <= 10), were switched to open-label
mirtazapine for up to 6 weeks. Mirtazapine was titrated from 7.5
mg to 45 mg daily, as tolerated. Sexual functioning was measured
weekly with the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), and
depression was measured weekly with the HAM-D.